What would be your plan if we say, in 5 years, your job might not exist the way it currently does?
Well, this is not an overstatement, and rather it is the harsh reality of our world. Automation is taking over jobs, and entire industries are changing fast.
Employers want people who can adapt with the change. College degrees are not enough, and even years of experience doesn’t matter if one doesn’t possess the required skills.
If you don’t want to fail in the job market, start upskilling yourself today.
Factors driving the need for upskilling
Some people consider learning new skills only after losing a job, and that’s a misguided approach. The right time for an individual to work on acquiring new skills is before a tragedy happens.
Employment opportunities in the area of customer service, data entry, and content writing, for example, are constantly changing due dominance of AI technologies. Machines are automating repetitive tasks. Because machines do not rest and do not demand salary increases, companies are attempting to automate processes to the highest level possible.
There was a time when holding a degree was like having a ticket to career success. But not anymore. Today, companies want people wil skills. Regardless of their education background, work experience, etc, they want someone who can do the given task faster and efficiently.
Now, there are opportunities for self-education that do not require spending hundreds or thousands of dollars. The availability of high-quality paid and free online courses makes schooling simpler. Individuals can learn digital marketing, coding, or data analysis from the comfort of their homes.
Identify skills that are declining and emerging.
Not all skills are kept valuable for an infinite amount of time. Some of them lose their value, while others appreciate in value.
Declining skills:
- Data entry (Reason: automation)
- Customer service (Reason: simple queries are resolved through chatbots)
- Manual bookkeeping (Reason: more advanced software is on the market)
- Graphic design (Reason: AI tools can perform these tasks)
Skills gaining popularity:
- AI and machine learning
- Data Analytics
- Cyber security
- Leadership problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and other soft skills
More specifically, skills with data are rising at a compelling rate. For skilled data experts who can interpret data and impact decisions, there is a huge market. That’s why online Power BI courses are becoming popular.
Power BI is a program that allows the user to visualize data intuitively. Learning it can open doors to roles in business intelligence and analytics. And the best part? It doesn’t take years to master.
Strategies for upskilling while managing work commitments
I don’t have time to learn. — That’s a common excuse. But who said you need hours? Just give a few minutes after work or on weekends to see the difference.
Microlearning
Learn a new topic for 15 minutes a day. Read an article, watch a video, and take notes. Over weeks and months, that knowledge compounds.
Use work as a learning ground
Improve skills you wish to learn by practising them within the scope of your current job. Want to learn to code? Start by automating tasks at work and writing scripts. Want to improve communication skills? Volunteer for presentations.
Time management tricks
- Turn social media scrolling time into learning time.
- Listen to educational podcasts during commutes.
- Set specific learning goals, such as finishing the course in 30 days.
No need to quit your job, no need to sacrifice your free time. Just small, smart efforts.
Apply newly acquired skills for career advancement
Learning is one thing, and applying it is another. If you want real career growth, you need to show your skills.
- Build a portfolio – Instead of saying that you have skills, show it. If you learn to code, build a project. If you learn digital marketing, create campaigns.
- Leverage networking opportunities – Connect with professionals in your industry. Join LinkedIn groups. Engage in discussions.
- Freelance for real-world experiences – Freelancing is a great way to test new skills. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr let you work on real projects. Even small gigs add credibility to your resume.
Conclusion
Things will get harder with time. Your progress will be stale if you don’t learn new skills now. If you wait, employers will move on without you, and technology will keep progressing with or without you.
However, you need only pick one skill, learn it, utilize it, and practice over and over again.
